Typhoon-Hit SSS Pensioners Urged to Apply For Aid

The Social Security System (SSS) urged pensioners affected by recent tropical cyclones Kristine, Marce, Nika, Ofel, and Pepito to apply for a three-month advance pension.

Applications will be accepted at the nearest SSS branch until Dec. 21, 2024.

SSS Officer-in-Charge Voltaire P. Agas said the advance pension is financial assistance for Social Security and Employees’ Compensation (EC) pensioners in areas heavily affected by the cyclones that swept across the country, particularly Luzon, within weeks.

“We experienced an unusual event where multiple storms hit the country in quick succession, causing massive destruction. At SSS, we understand the immediate needs of our pensioners and aim to provide timely support,” Agas said.

He emphasized that the SSS is committed to helping both its members and pensioners recover from the disasters’ aftermath.

Pensioners residing in areas declared under a state of calamity by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) are eligible to apply.

Calamity areas due to Typhoon Kristine include:

• Pangasinan: Dagupan, Bani, and Anda.
• Isabela: Ilagan and Roxas.
• Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, and Quezon provinces.
• Rizal: Cardona and Binangonan.
• Oriental Mindoro: Puerto Galera, Naujan, Victoria, Pola, Socorro, Pinamalayan, Mansalay, and Bulalacao.
• Occidental Mindoro: Paluan and Looc.
• Bicol provinces: Albay, Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, Camarines Norte, and Sorsogon.
• Naga City, Masbate towns, Samar, Eastern Samar, and various other areas.

Typhoons Nika, Ofel, and Pepito placed areas such as Quirino, Mountain Province, parts of Isabela, and Cagayan under a state of calamity. Typhoon Marce affected Ilocos Norte, Cagayan, and other northern municipalities.

To qualify for the advance pension, applicants must:

• Reside in a declared calamity area.
• Have no existing pension loan for retirement pensioners.

Agas clarified that SSS and EC pensioners with previous calamity assistance or suspended pensions could still apply. Partial disability pensioners can avail of the advance pension for the remaining months of their disability pension or up to three months, whichever is less.

Applicants must submit the Application for Assistance Due to Calamity/Disaster Form certified by their barangay chairperson or an alternative certification from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) or the NDRRMC.

Benefits checks will be available for pickup at the filing branch within 10 working days. If not collected, checks will be mailed to the pensioner’s registered address. Monthly pensions will automatically resume after the three-month period.

Pension loan program details

SSS retirement pensioners may also apply for loans under the SSS Pension Loan Program (PLP). Borrowing options range from three to 12 months of the monthly pension, up to PHP 200,000, inclusive of the PHP 1,000 additional benefit.

To qualify, pensioners must:

• Be 85 years old or younger by the end of the loan repayment term.
• Have no deductions from their monthly pension.
• Be receiving a regular pension for at least one month with an “active” status.
• Have updated contact information.

Loan applications can be filed online via the My.SSS portal or submitted at the nearest SSS branch. Approved loan proceeds will be credited to the pensioner’s nominated bank account within three working days for online applications or five working days for over-the-counter submissions.

The loan incurs a low interest rate of 10 percent per annum, calculated on the diminishing principal balance. Monthly payments will be automatically deducted from pensions, ensuring retirees retain at least 47.25 percent of their monthly pension.

“We offer flexible repayment terms from six to 24 months, depending on the loan amount. We hope this program can help pensioners rebuild their lives after the storms,” Agas said.

For more information, visit the nearest SSS branch or access My.SSS portal.